Sunday, January 13th, 10 am

Transcription

1 The Voice January 2019 Sunday, January 13th, 10 am There will be a congregational meeting, in the sanctuary, at 10 a.m., on Sunday, January 13. The meeting will consider the budget for Considering the budget, separately, in January will allow us to know how we ended the year. Sermon Series Beginning in January, we will begin our Romans Sermon Series. We ll do 8 chapters before Lent and 5 after Easter. There is a comment by N. T. Wright in which he said that anyone who claims to completely understand Romans is a fool. And while we cannot claim to completely understand Romans, we know that some things that are beautiful, profound and worth our attention. We hope that you will join us in person for this series. We also offer the worship streaming on our YouTube channel. 1

2 SNOWFLAKES Dr. Larry Snow As I was writing our Christmas letter last week it occurred to me that 2018 was quite a year; Ruth was born in April with real health challenges. In September, I had rotator cuff surgery, which was no big deal except that the recovery is painful and seems to take forever. Karyn has gone on sabbatical. All year this congregation has struggled (and failed) to get its head above red ink. My much beloved 12-year old Honda Accord needed some expensive repairs and we ended up trading it in. It wasn t all bad; my mother turned 100! Joan and I spent 16 days in Europe seeing places for real that before we d only seen in pictures. Dave and Shari Eggleston have been a delight to work with as they filled in for Karyn. It would appear that 2019 is going to tell the same kind of story I m scheduled for surgery on my other shoulder in mid-january. No, it hasn t been all bad, especially through it all I have been surrounded by a congregation that has prayed for my struggles and celebrated my joys. Through it all I have been surrounded by a congregation which has understood that even a Pastor hits rough patches in life. Thank you for being the kind, generous, faithful, congregation that you are. Last week we delivered 5 vehicle-loads of food, clothing, games, and stuff to Greenway Elementary. It was a huge effort that at one point or another involved 100s of us. The staff at Greenway was more than pleased by what we were able to do. On our way out of the building the staff was celebrating our success which in part was that while we were willing to be generous with them we didn t want anything from them in return. There were no strings attached. All we wanted was for needy families to have a great Christmas. And then we decided that this was what Christmas was all about. See you in Church Larry 2

3 Musings Rev. Karyn Dix Pastor Karyn is on Sabbatical until January Pastors Shari & David Eggleston Sabbatical Coverage for Rev. Karyn Dix Dear Murray Hills Family and Friends, The time has come. As we move from Advent into the new year, our three-month time with Murray Hills is drawing to a close this month. January 13 marks our last Sunday as caretakers for Karyn s ministry during her time of sabbatical. We are grateful beyond words. It has been a privilege to work with so many of you in the congregation, extending special appreciation to your leadership including Chip with property, Cindy and Raiza with finances, Carol with the Board, Brian with the Elders, Miles with the Deacons, and Susan with worship. It has been rich to collaborate with your staff including Janet with the building, Ellie and Cheryl with music, Krista in the office, and of course, getting to work alongside Larry. Your welcome as a congregation in worship and congregational life has touched our lives in so many meaning-filled ways. As a bonus, I (David) have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to rehearse and sing with the choir. We look forward now to treasuring our remaining weeks with you. As throughout our time, don t hesitate to check in with us if you have thoughts, questions, or concerns; we re open to conversation. Though our paths may likely cross again in the future, for now we bless you with the words, So long, farewell, Auf Weidersehen, goodbye. We do pray that you all fare well until we meet again. We also offer the blessing of Goodbye which historically is a contraction of the English phrase God be with you. God be with you, our friends who together make up Murray Hills Christian Church. 3

4 And The Beat Goes On Notes from the Director of Music Ministries What a delight to share the Christmas season with you all this year after being snowed out last December! I had a great season from the first Sunday in Advent through the pageant and Christmas Eve. Big Happenings in March!! I have to say I ve been delighted to hear you all sing out with increasing enthusiasm. You veritably rocked the rafters with the Hallelujah Chorus during Advent. What better way to celebrate your joy of singing than to hold a Good Old-Fashioned Pancake Supper and Hymn Sing?! Mark your calendars for Friday, March 15 for this fun at Murray Hills event. Dinner around 5 with Jim Ahl and his crew wielding spatulas. Singing will get under way in the sanctuary by 6:30 (give er take) with your musicians leading us all in a rollicking good time. Tell your friends. They ll surely want to come with you. Laurie Sturgill has graciously agreed to be Chair of the Event. Stay tuned for details. Rehearsals Resume the week of January 1. Handbells, Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Choir, Wednesdays, 7:30-9 FH&L, Sundays 12:30-1:30 Newcomers always welcome! Soundwave Intergenerational Chime Choir is looking for a few more musicians. Open to young musicians grades 3-6. Parent s and/or grandparents, aunts and uncles welcome to join us. Wednesdays 4-4:45 in the music room, resuming January 24. Questions? Something you ve been meaning to ask me/tell me? Please catch me after services, jet me an or give me a ring. Best, Ellie Ellie.hodder@comcast,net

5 Greenway Gifts and Food Delivery It took three minivans, one pickup, and one SUV to deliver our gifts and food to Greenway Elementary on Tuesday, December 18th. To say they were blown away by our generosity would be an understatement. There was no shortage of tears and smiles as they expressed their gratitude, including our very own Katie Eide who teaches at Greenway Elementary. Thank you to all who donated, sorted, wrapped, packed, carried and transported Christmas Greenway. A special shout out of thanks to Casey s Corner for providing 20 food boxes for families at Greenway. Together we helped literally hundreds of kids. What a wonderful collaborative effort to bring Christmas to families in need. Thanks! January youth highlights include: 6th 4:45 to 6:15, High school cook dinner for Tigard Good Neighbor Center (no middle school meeting) 13th 5 to 7 p.m., combined Middle and High school meeting. David wishes to say goodbye and thank you for the privilege of getting to be with the youth the last three months. There will be a mix of activities, including answering questions from the books and balls, games, and David providing both some sweet and healthy homemade treats. 20th Karyn s back!! I am so thankful for the support of all the youth parents and guardians these least three months. Without your support, affirmations, insights, and timely questions, a lot more things might have fallen through the cracks. I really see the youth ministry as a cooperative team effort. I could not have worked with the youth so well were it not for you. Thank you, parents! If you have any thoughts or questions, don t hesitate to call or David. : ) In January, our children will continue using the Deep Blue Curriculum. This month the curriculum will invite the children to explore the coming of the Magi and Jesus early ministry. 5

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7 Monday Night Book Group Monday Night Book Group Monday Nights at 6:30 in the Spiritual Formation Library We are discussing Marcus Borg s Book Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time." Come join the conversation. Every Thursday at 10 am women gather to study the Bible and connect with each other. Come join us as we work our way through the Gospel of Matthew. Ladies Book Group meets Monday mornings at 10:30 am. They are working through The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. They invite all women to join them weekly. Lyndsay Thomas January 2 Shirley Baldwin January 3 Harvey Elser January 3 Les Ruh January 6 Danny Kelly January 7 Kathryn Dix January 10 Sharon Foster January 13 Chip Pierson January 16 Wilma Kribs January 17 Braylin Soon January 18 Sophia Gay January 21 Manny Hernandez January 28 Dal Norris January 11 Dan Dewey January 13 7

8 Thank you for your giving hearts and all the ways you chose to put your faith in action. As you might have already heard, we ve recently partnered with Tithely to add more options to the ways we can financially support our community. We are providing the convenience and flexibility of online giving where you can give anytime, from anywhere even if you are not physically able to attend service. You may give to the General Fund or designate your contribution by selecting one of the accounts available or Other. If you chose Other", please, please, please include your notes on the memo line. This w ill ensure your contribution goes into the correct account. Be mindful of the transaction fee associated with using online giving. You can easily chose to cover the fee, though it is not a requirement that you do so. This means that if you are choosing to use this tool for your current estimate of giving without covering the fee the church will receive a lower net income. We ll still accept cash and checks at both of our services on Sunday or in the mail. In addition, you could set up automatic reoccurring giving online and not have to worry if you can t attend on Sunday. You can give online as needed, or download the phone app to make contributions. THE WELCOMING TEAM is working on the 6 week (March 6 through Easter, 2019) Lenten Partner in Prayer Program. More information will be in the February THE VOICE. In the meantime do some thinking and praying concerning a person you would like to share time with for that 6 weeks. Please continue your prayers for the Welcoming Team as they seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling their opportunities of ministry for Jesus Christ. THANKS to all of you folks who signed up and prayed for Pastor Karyn during her Sabbatical. Prayer is a powerful support in the life and ministry of the Church. We welcome her back on January 15, Alzheimer s Support Next meeting will be Wednesday, January 9 at 6 pm Hightimers Hightimers will meet for lunch at 12:30 on Sunday, January 6, at Juan Colorado, SW Murray Scholls Dr #111, Beaverton. Please let Bobby Prowell know by Friday, Jan 4, if you plan to join us. Quilts For Kids Our next meeting is Thursday, January 10. The Needlers meet every Wednesday from 1-3 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 8

9 Police Rest Stop Winter has arrived, bringing the cold rain we expect this time of year. Our officers really appreciate the single servings of soups we have begun to provide. The next time you are at the grocery store, I encourage you to pick up a couple for our rest stop. Many thanks for your support of this ministry the fridge is amazing! I treated our officers and stocked it with oranges, protein snacks, and string cheese. They LOVE the items we can now stock because of your generosity. We are completely out of: beef jerky and pepperoni sticks The Rest Stop is an amazing place for our officers to take a break, communicate with other officers, and write reports. It offers a place that allows our officers to continue their calls and stay within their assigned district, which in turn, keeps our community safe. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry. -Krista 9

10 Greetings and a Happy New Year! I m looking forward to serving the Congregation and the board as the new board chair. You have elected board members who are capable and experienced regarding church business. They are dedicated and with an interest in the present and future life of MHCC. We re also beginning the New Year with a revised Constitution and By-Laws. This will be an adjustment for all of us. I know I will have copy near by for quick references. The board meetings will have a new procedure for new business this year. If you want to present a topic to the board, below is the process I would like to have you follow. me your proposal two weeks in advance of the board mtg. I will forward it to the board members. Your proposal will be placed on the agenda. You will then present your proposal in person to the board. Please include cost, number of volunteers, any staff time, and most important how will it enhance MHCC. Sincerely, Sharon Jarman MHCC Board Chair Notes Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and lovely Christmas! The families in our program had holiday plans that allowed us to close Family Promise Monday and Tuesday. It was very surreal having no volunteers and no families around. *I am looking for some volunteer hosts for the next 10 days. This week we are Cedar Hills Rec Center. Next week we are at Beaverton Methodist. Please contact Sharon Jarman if you are able to volunteer. She will put you into contact with Jolene. Family Updates: Sonya and Darren (16 yrs old) ClaraBelle (cat) Everything is going great. Sonya is still working evenings and sometimes Darren will come to the host locations in the van without his mom if she is working. The boarding place we boarded ClaraBelle was open to Sonya and Darren visiting her but now have changed their minds. Do you know of a good place to board a cat for an extended time who would be open to letting Sonya and Darren come visit? Let us know. Ashley, Megan (8), Xavier (5), Damian (13mo) Megan told me yesterday that she is ready to go back to school - ha! Megan and Xavier would love it if there were kids that could come over and play with them for a little bit. Xavier would love to play Pokemon with anyone who is interested. Future family. We have scheduled several intakes in the last 2 weeks and had several no shows. We hope to start a new family next week. 10

11 Congregational Meeting We will be holding a congregational meeting on Sunday, January 13th at 10 am to vote on the proposed budget for Please plan on attending. Thank you! Raiza Spratt 11

12 Murray Hills Christian Church SW Weir Rd. Beaverton, OR Phone: (503) PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE 12